USA
Alexander Dennis (ADL) has been awarded a contract to supply 12 new battery-electric Enviro500EV double-deck buses for United States customer Foothill Transit, which serves 22 cities in the San Gabriel and Pomona valleys in eastern Los Angeles County, California, as part of the operator’s plans to provide more eco-friendly transport solutions. The operator’s flagship ‘Silver Streak’ route to downtown Los Angeles will be upgraded in 2026 with the 12 new electric buses, chosen to enable it to maximise passenger capacity on what it says is an important commuter connection. They will join two earlier Enviro500EV pilot buses which were delivered in 2021.
The new buses will use the technology of Alexander Dennis’s next-generation zero-emission bus platform recently launched in the UK and the Asia-Pacific region, including the Voith Electrical Drive System (VEDS) and a modular battery system that ADL says offers increased energy storage and greater operational range on a single charge.
Foothill Transit CEO Doran Barnes said: “This investment in zero emissions technology aligns with our vision for a sustainable future. We are proud to partner with Alexander Dennis to bring these cutting-edge double deck electric buses to our communities. This marks a significant step forward in our commitment to providing reliable, eco-friendly, and efficient transit services.”
Vice President for Alexander Dennis in North America Stephen Walsh added: “We are excited to once again be working with our friends at Foothill Transit. After trials with two earlier Enviro500EV pilot buses, Foothill Transit’s selection of Alexander Dennis next-generation technology for its Sliver Streak route is a huge vote of confidence for us. With increased energy storage, revised drivetrain configuration and modular battery configurations, the Enviro500EV with next-generation technology will improve range and other capabilities vital to the mixed profile of inner-city roads and freeways that are features of the Silver Streak route.”
The addition of the 12 new electric buses is part of Foothill Transit’s strategy to modernise its fleet and contribute to the broader goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Recent fleet additions have included 33 fuel cell-electric Xcelsior Charge FC single deckers from sister NFI Group company New Flyer.
